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Oh Sad, Sad Day: No More Microbusses.

Altough the Kombi is not the safest brick on wheels, I like its rear-engine with RWD layout with independent suspension all-around because it still provides better handling in harsher terrains than modern vans usually do. Really sad to see this icon of the motor industry going without a really suitable replacement.

There are safer, better handling, newer, minibusses around.

There's no need to keep that old bugger in production.

BTW : VW is considering a microbus based on the up! platform.
They have a concept, though I very mch doubt they'll ever make it ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by euromodder (Post 388059)

Cost was still the main reason why the Kombi remained on production in Brazil.

A "microbus" based on the up! platform would be probably either a mini-MPV such as a Renault Modus, not a real LCV.

Quote:

Originally Posted by euromodder
There are safer, better handling, newer, minibusses around.

I know, right. :thumbup: They are here:
Race Bus / Fast Bus / Sleeper Bus **Info & Idea Thread
http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/805223.jpg
Especially here, where the thread starter, artistantonio, does an exhaustive single post on installing Porsche Brembo brakes on a Type II

Quote:

986 / 996 Porsche Brembo Brakes to all four corners of Type 2 Bus (stock beam)

What's Needed & How Much, quick break down list...

1- 4 Brembo Calipers from 986-------$400
2- VDubEngineering Brake Kit---------$517
3- 944 NA Brake Parts-----------------$250
4- New Front 911 Rotors---------------$68
5- New Rear 944 Rotors---------------$154
6- VR1 Red Caliper Paint---------------$70
7- Porsche Vinyl Stencils(4)------------$30
8- Brake Fluid----------------------------$20

Total ----------------------------------$1,511

(Optional) New 944 Master Cyl - $200
(Optional) New Brake Pads - $100

Or here:Elimation of Split Steering Box and Upgrade to Rack & Pinion Steering.

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/831337.jpg
http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/597960.jpg
http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/831297.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebeard (Post 389370)

I know, right. :thumbup: They are here:

Impressive work :thumbup:

But in a collision, it'd still fold like a bad stack of cards.
Doesn't need to be your own fault.

Used for fun, fine.
Used for everyday transport with everyday's risks, I'll pass.

And if your fun carries more risk than everyday transport? The thread has lots of pictures of full roll cages and a heated discussion on why you don't use 4-point seat belts on a low back seat.

Look on the bright side, if you slide off the road, it's going to be backwards. :thumbup:

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebeard (Post 389439)

And if your fun carries more risk than everyday transport?

I just lit a rocket! Rockets explode!

That is how I get around! :thumbup:

For me it's still kinda hard to figure out the Kombi is not being made anymore, I still see lots of them running, from split-windows to the latest clippers with the water-cooled 1.4L engine.

My splitty is going back on the road. The new engine has been sitting on the bench for years, built to John Karcey's 'Mileage Motor' specs.